"Walk with Me"

The day I received the news that the colon tumour was not contained, but that cancer had spread to surrounding lymph nodes, was a very low time. That night I listened to a song with the beautiful words of Matthew 11:28 where Jesus says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest." Rest here means He will relieve, ease, refresh our souls. The words were an amazing encouragement and remained so throughout my journey. The verse continues with Jesus inviting us to take up his yoke and learn from Him for He is gentle and humble in heart. I remembered the old double yoke my uncle had hanging in the big barn on his farm. Two people could fit into this yoke and carry three pails of milk between them. The persons carrying the load had to be in step with eachother else the milk would slosh over the pails. That is the kind of yoke Jesus was talking about. I fashioned a poem then to not only convey the meaning, but also to illustrate the image of Jesus and me walking together.(Page 111 of old edition The Valley of Cancer, p.107 of the new Tenth Anniversary Edition). The Double Yoke My LORD says to ME My Yoke is easy My burden is light. He invites me to ease myself into the part of His double yoke designed for me and walk in step with Him; my burden now is light because He carries the brunt of it. The Message translation of the Bible captures the meaning of the double yoke so beautifully. "...Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." Even though cancer is "ill-fitting and heavy" for a time, the secret to carrying this burden remains in letting Him carry the load with you. Keep walking, knowing He is walking beside you! Keep walking in step with Him! He is working healing rest into your life. And - most importantly - remember the message of Margaret Power's "Footprints" poem. He CARRIES you during the most difficult times!!! Blessings as you continue your (walking) journey. Angie NEXT: "Why?" BACK TO: "Archives"